ABSTRACT
Introduction This chapter aims to present a summary of the theoretical approaches to the concepts of equality and diversity, which underpin organizational policy-making. As Webb (1997) points out, there have been changes over the 1990s in the political meanings attached to ideas about equality. We begin with the theoretical underpinnings of equality initiatives in the UK. These are founded on a ‘sameness’ or equal treatment model, are connected to the legislation enacted in the 1970s, and are based around liberal and radical policy approaches. ‘Equal opportunities’ has become the most common descriptor or label of such policy approaches, even though, as we discuss, it has become a ‘catch-all’ for distinctly different types of equality policy. This discussion also involves a summary of
Aim To provide the conceptual and theoretical underpinning necessary to develop a critical analysis of current equality and diversity approaches.
